Greek hairnet
Gold, garnet, glass paste; anonymous, 225–175 BC
JP Getty Museum

This exceptional 3rd-century BC gold hairnet, likely Alexandrian in origin, displays masterful craftsmanship through four distinct elements. A central medallion depicts a repoussé bust of Aphrodite resembling the Ptolemy Queen Arsinoe II, accompanied by Eros and adorned with intricate filigree and beadwork. Beaded tassels dangle from the medallion and clasp, while the hairnet itself forms a delicate mesh crafted from spool beads linked by filigree chains and ornamented with adorned with masks of Dionysus and actors. A circular clasp completes the piece, featuring a prominent Herakles knot amidst a decorative tangle of vines, leaves, and berries. Each element exhibits exceptional finesse, highlighting the skill of a truly accomplished goldsmith.